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Assistant Merchandise Manager Jobs in California

Overview Assistant Manager of Merchandise As the Assistant Manager of Merchandise , you will contribute to profitable sales growth by leading and engaging associates, managing merchandise standards ...

Merchandise Manager

National City, CA · On-site

$28.80 - $38.40/hr

... store. * Assist the Store Manager and others in areas including but not limited to staffing ... merchandising. * Must be able to work a flexible schedule; including early mornings, nights ...

Store - LA-REDLANDS, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Merchandise Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $24/hr

JOS-MILPITAS, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution, including ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Merchandise Manager

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.30/hr

Store - LA-HAWTHORNE, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Store - LA-GLENDALE, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ... Establish and maintain visual merchandising standards, including initial product placement and ...

Merchandise Manager

Ventura, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.10/hr

Store - LA-VENTURA, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Store - LA-LAKEWOOD, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Store - LA-GLENDALE, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Merchandise Manager

Merced, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.10/hr

Store - MERCED, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Merchandise Manager

Newhall, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.80/hr

Store - LA-VALENCIA, CA The Merchandise Manager drives merchandising and operational execution ... Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ...

Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ... Establish and maintain visual merchandising standards, including initial product placement and ...

Merchandise Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.10/hr

Major Activities * Assist Store Manager in leading and managing adherence to Standard Operating ... Establish and maintain visual merchandising standards, including initial product placement and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Merchandise Manager information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do assistant merchandise manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant merchandise manager in California is $23.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Merchandise Manager vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectAssistant Merchandise ManagerMerchandise Planner
ResponsibilitiesSupports merchandise buying, inventory management, and sales analysisFocuses on sales forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation
Required SkillsProduct knowledge, communication, basic analyticsData analysis, forecasting, inventory optimization
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, corporate officesCorporate offices, retail planning teams
Common UsageAssisting in merchandise operationsStrategic inventory planning and sales forecasting

The Assistant Merchandise Manager and Merchandise Planner roles both support retail operations but focus on different areas. The Assistant Merchandise Manager assists with buying and sales support, while the Merchandise Planner specializes in forecasting and inventory planning. Both roles require analytical skills and are vital in retail management, often working closely together to ensure product availability and sales growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant merchandise manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Merchandise Manager, you need strong analytical skills, a good grasp of retail math, and a background in business or merchandising, often supported by a relevant degree or retail experience. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale software, and spreadsheet tools like Excel is typically required. Excellent communication, organizational abilities, and attention to detail help you collaborate with vendors and internal teams while managing multiple tasks. These skills are vital for optimizing product assortments, ensuring profitability, and supporting smooth retail operations.

What does an assistant merchandise manager do?

An Assistant Merchandise Manager supports the Merchandise Manager in planning, buying, and managing inventory for a retail store or chain. They assist with analyzing sales trends, selecting products, and coordinating with vendors to ensure the right merchandise is available. Their role often includes tracking inventory levels, organizing product displays, and helping implement pricing strategies. This position is vital for maximizing sales and ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers.

How does an assistant merchandise manager typically collaborate with buyers and store teams to ensure successful product launches?

Assistant Merchandise Managers play a key role in coordinating between buyers, who select products, and store teams, who display and sell them. They help communicate product information, promotional strategies, and merchandising plans, ensuring everyone is aligned before a new product launch. This involves organizing training sessions for staff, monitoring inventory levels, and gathering feedback from stores to quickly address any issues. Such collaboration is crucial for meeting sales targets and optimizing the customer experience during new launches.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Merchandise Manager jobs in CA? For Assistant Merchandise Manager jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchandise Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,753 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Assistant Manager Merchandise

JCPenney

Chula Vista, CA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


JCPenney rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 676 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 21 rated department stores


Job description

Overview
Assistant Manager of Merchandise
As the Assistant Manager of Merchandise, you will contribute to profitable sales growth by leading and engaging associates, managing merchandise standards and execution, supporting operational excellence, and driving sales-building programs that enhance the customer experience.
In this role, you will help lead the store team in delivering strong merchandise presentation, consistent execution, outstanding customer service, and performance results aligned with company standards.
Primary Responsibilities
Merchandise Execution
  • Own in-stock levels through effective merchandise replenishment activities.
  • Maintain high merchandise presentation standards throughout the store.
  • Actively lead the team in planning and executing merchandise and visual elements.
  • Ensure company merchandising standards are consistently executed.

Customer Service & Sales
  • Model, coach, and hold the team accountable for delivering outstanding customer service.
  • Oversee the Manager on Duty program to ensure associates are engaged and customers are serviced appropriately.
  • Support sales-building programs that improve the customer experience and drive profitable sales growth.
  • Reinforce performance expectations through consistent coaching and follow-up.

Omnichannel
  • Support Omnichannel initiatives to further drive sales and customer service.
  • Own training and coaching related to Omnichannel processes and execution.
  • Ensure associates understand and execute Omnichannel standards consistently.

Specialty Businesses
  • Drive sales growth in Fine Jewelry, Window, and Mattress businesses by leading and engaging associates.
  • Own the planning and execution of special events within specialty businesses.
  • Partner with store leadership to identify opportunities and improve specialty business performance.

Team Development
  • Partner with the store management team to source and hire talent for hourly positions.
  • Play an active role in training, coaching, and developing associates.
  • Provide in-the-moment feedback and address performance issues as needed.
  • Support associate engagement and development through consistent leadership presence.

Performance Standards
  • Consistently meet established performance standards, including but not limited to:
    • Shrink and safety initiatives
    • Omnichannel execution
    • Scheduling efficiency
    • Associate relations and engagement
    • Customer service
    • Profitability
    • Productivity
    • Attendance

What You Get
  • Eligibility for bonus under the Management Incentive Plan.
  • A competitive benefits package, if eligible, including:
    • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
    • Term life insurance
    • Paid vacation and holidays*
    • 401(k) with company match
    • Associate merchandise discount across all Catalyst Brands

All associates are eligible for an associate discount on merchandise at Catalyst Brands.
For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. Store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation.
*For paid vacation days and eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com.
About Catalyst Brands
Catalyst Brands ignites America's most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all. Our portfolio features the legendary department store JCPenney, as well as iconic specialty retail brands Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.
Established in 2025, when JCPenney and the former SPARC Group combined, Catalyst Brands operates approximately 1,800 retail stores, shop-in-shops, and eCommerce platforms throughout the U.S. and Canada. Catalyst Brands also serves leading wholesale accounts in North America and beyond.
For more information, visit www.catalystbrands.com.
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Pay Range
USD $70,300.00 - USD $88,660.00 /Yr.

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